South Sudan Lifts Ban on Facebook, TikTok Platforms

South Sudan has ended the temporary ban on Facebook and TikTok, initially imposed last week after videos showing alleged killings of South Sudanese citizens in Sudan began circulating online.

The National Communications Authority, in a letter dated Jan. 27, confirmed the graphic content—linked to violent protests and retaliatory attacks across the nation—had been removed from the platforms, prompting the decision.

“The rise of violence linked to social media content in South Sudan underscores the need for a balanced approach that addresses the root causes of online incitement while protecting the rights of the population,” Napoleon Adok Gai, the director of the National Communications Authority, said in the letter.

Earlier this month, the Sudanese army and its allies were blamed by Rights groups for ethnically targeted attacks on civilians in El Gezira, Sudan, after they captured Wad Madani from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The Sudanese army condemned what it called “individual violations”, which were captured on video and shared widely on social media.